19/31 ………………………………………………………Signed ………………………..Dated AUDLEY RURAL PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING of the Parish Council held at Audley Pensioners Hall, Church Street, Thursday 20th June 2019 at 7pm Present: Chair: Mr N Hayes Councillors:, Rev Taylor, Mrs C Richardson, Mr. M. Whitmore, Mrs. V. Pearson, Mr. R. Garlick, , Miss N. Mayer, Mr D Butler, Mr N Crisp, Clerk – Mrs C Withington There was 1 member of the public present 1. Chair to sign Declaration of Acceptance of Office Rev Taylor opened the meeting and Mr Hayes signed the Declaration of Office in relation to the position of chair, which was resolved at the last meeting. Mr Hayes stated that he felt it was his duty to thank Cllr Proctor for his many years of hard work and dedication to the Parish Council. To receive apologies – Mr. M. Joynson, Miss A. Borowski, Mr. C. Cooper, Mr D. Jervis 2. To consider approving and signing minutes of the Parish Council meeting on 22nd May 2019 RESOLVED that these be signed as a true and accurate record. The Minutes were signed at the meeting. A matter arising in relation to the felling of 2 oak trees at Albert Street play area was raised due to earlier decisions taken in December to approve the recommendations of a tree survey completed by the Borough Council’s Tree Officer, which looked to fell them in view of their poor condition. The scheme included felling, pruning and thinning of a number of poor quality young trees by overhead power lines, at the rear of the site and also in a cluster by the footpath/bridge. It was noted that if any birds are found nesting no trees will be felled and work suspended, unless it would leave the tree in an unsafe position. Pruning is acceptable again providing it doesn’t disturb the nesting birds. The Clerk clarified that the Parish Council are only responsible for the trees within the Parish Council’s ownership. The Clerk stated that the Tree Officer had provided more clarity regarding the condition of the oak trees, in that the outer bark which supplies nutrients is healthy however the inner structure of the tree is hollow and suffering from decay. The inner structure provides the strength to hold up the entire tree and is at risk of failing. As most oaks can tolerate fungus, they compartmentalise it however in view of the large basal cavity present in one it is clear that this has not happened. The other has suffered from fire damage and is now showing signs of die back at the rear, for no known reason. Therefore the recommendation in the tree report considered in December, was to take a cautious approach and fell them in view of the proximity to the children’s play area and the potential for further vandalism to the trees. The Tree Officer had stated that they are borderline and that they could be monitored annually to ensure no further signs of decay. The Tree Officer suggested carrying out an ultrasound check of the trees to get a baseline picture to work from in terms of future monitoring. However this could cost around £400 per tree based on a quote obtained. Miss Mayer suggested that we should seek a second opinion to validate the survey findings – as it was important to retain them. Miss Mayer suggested that the trees are fenced off to stop any further damage and to keep people a safe distance away from them – especially as it is not known how much life is left in the trees. It was noted that last summer there were items removed from the area following fires and camps. Revd Taylor reminded all parish councillors of the Nolan principles and code of conduct which they are all bound by, especially when debating matters over social media. He reminded members that they need to respect the decision of the Parish Council as a corporate body, which may not always be their personal 31 19/32 ………………………………………………………Signed ………………………..Dated view. Mr Whitmore stated that we as a Parish Council have a duty of care to maintain the parish assets in a safe and proper manner, and if the advice of the Tree Officer is to remove unsafe trees, then we should follow the advice – to avoid being held liable in the future. The Parish Council noted the concerns of individuals which had been sent to the Clerk over the last few days regarding the 2 oak trees and the comments on social media. It was noted that the work for the 2 oak trees had been suspended until the end of bird nesting season due to bird nests found in one of the trees. However it was RESOLVED to postpone Agenda the work to the 2 oak trees and to monitor them, with a review of their current Novemb condition in six months (December/January). er Mrs Pearson stated that we have an obligation to when making decisions to consider the impact on the environment and climate change. 3. Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary interest in any item on the agenda None 4. Public Participation: No items raised, except a point of clarification regarding the situation with the 2 hollow oak trees at Albert Street, one of which was damaged by fire and showing signs of die back, and the other by a fungal decay. 5. To receive an update from Audley LAP and Police / Parish Liaison Committee There was no police present at the meeting. However regular police/parish liaison meeting had been held attended by Mr Whitmore. It had been noted that there were 3 investigations underway as a result of the CCTV cameras. 6. Planning - To consider any planning applications received, including:- Construction of 6no. additional car parking spaces and associated drop kerbs. Land West Of Ravens Close Newcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire Ref. No: 19/00429/FUL Village Env/Delegated RESOLVED to support this application, as cars off the road are a priority. Removal of condition 4 (occupancy restriction) of planning permission 11/00251/FUL - Conversion of existing outbuildings into one dwelling, to be occupied as an annexe to the main dwelling, and alterations and additions to form first floor accommodation The Barn Barthomley Road Audley Newcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire ST7 8HU Ref. No: 19/00448/FUL Green Belt/Delegated RESOLVED to support the application. Approval of the scale, materials and landscaping of the site (erection of a two storey dwelling) 49 Vernon Avenue Audley Stoke-On-Trent Staffordshire ST7 8EG Ref. No: 19/00406/REM Village Env/Delegated – RESOLVED to suggest a site visit is held due to the size of the site and the scale of the proposed building, to ensure it is appropriate. Two storey side extension, detached double garage with single storey link creating utility and enlarged kitchen area at the rear. 2 Hill Crescent Newcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire ST7 8BG Ref. No: 19/00404/FUL Village Env/Delegated – RESOLVED to support. Dormer loft extension with new porch to front and balcony to rear 118 Apedale Road Wood Lane Stoke On Trent Staffordshire ST7 8PH Ref. No: 19/00401/FUL Village Env/Delegated – RESOLVED to support. Proposed demolition of existing conservatory and construction of single storey rear extension 25 Georges Way Bignall End Staffordshire ST7 8QW Ref. No: 19/00386/FUL Village Env/Delegated RESOLVED to support. Replacement conservatory 24 Nantwich Road Audley Stoke On Trent Staffordshire ST7 8DH Ref. No: 19/00374/FUL Village env/Delegated – RESOLVED to support. Second storey side extension over existing single storey 1 Bridge Close Bignall End Staffordshire ST7 8RB Ref. No: 19/00373/FUL Village - Env/Delegated – RESOLVED to support provided it was a proportionate 32 19/33 ………………………………………………………Signed ………………………..Dated increase in relation to the policy and original footprint. Change of use and retention of manege for private use Crofton Farm Boon Hill Road Bignall End Staffordshire ST7 8LF Ref. No: 19/00452/FUL Green Belt/Delegated RESOLVED to support it provided there was no requirement to include floodlights and appropriate drainage had been installed. Two storey side, front and rear extensions and front bay window 3 Monument View Bignall End Newcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire ST7 8QP Ref. No: 19/00425/FUL Village Env/Delegated – No comment. NOTE THERE ARE SEVERAL CONDITIONS BEING DISCHARGED Application for approval of the Site Investigation Works as required by condition 17 of planning permission 19/00117/FUL - Proposed demolition of existing Working Mens Club and the development of 7 new dwelling houses Resubmission of 18/00329/FUL) Halmerend And District Working Mens Club Co Operative Lane Newcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire ST7 8BL Ref. No: 19/00117/CN17- This was noted and there was concern that the site should be made safe and cleaned up as soon as possible, in view of the remaining gable ends which are considered to be unsafe. It was noted that clarification was sought in relation to the remedial action proposed. 7. Allotments Sub Group – Halmer End Plot inspections to be arranged for July and to consider a request for Plot 16 to erect a fence, and as a result Plot 18 14 to be asked to install new access point RESOLVED that site inspection be arranged between Mr Butler, Mr Cooper and DB CC Mr Hayes at Halmer End. NH It was RESOLVED that the tenant of Plot 16 be allowed to erect a fence and that the neighbouring tenant informed and asked to make arrangements for a new Clerk access. 8. To nominate representatives for the following, and any others as agreed: Audley Millennium Green Trust Clerk It was noted that Miss Mayer may consider the position although it was not confirmed.